America Reads Spanish will launch in 2015 the second edition of the "Días de Cine" cycle, a project whose objective is to encourage interest, knowledge and study of literature written in Spanish by means of reading clubs distributed throughout the extensive network of U.S. libraries and universities.
As such, we propose an imaginative approach to literature in Spanish through the lens of the cinema by showing a comprehensive catalog of films based on diverse literary works of Spanish culture.
After the success of the first edition of the project, developed during 2011 and 2012, this second phase will be implemented with these important improvements:
1) Growth of our distribution network
This 2015 edition multiplies the cooperative fabric implementing collaborative networks with the Spanish Cultural Center of Miami, the Cervantes Institutes, EGEDA and the Trade Commission offices in Washington and Los Angeles, thereby increasing available viewing centers and thus reaching the most important cultural nuclei of the United States.
2) Updating of the audiovisual catalog. New subject matter
Días de Cine literary offering will be expanded incorporating a variety of literary works including novels, poetry, short stories and theatrical adaptations. A selection of some the best literary works in the Spanish language by Spanish-American authors is also included. The first edition catalog of cinematographic adaptations has been updated, and recent box successes have been added (Alatriste; Celda 211).
3) New viewing formats
Access to the films may be gained in the following ways:
· DVD copy in physical format: Viewing by means of physical copies of each work is given priority. The Department of Cultural Industries of the Trade Commission of Spain in Miami will be responsible for sending the copies.
· Online format (streaming): If a physical copy is unavailable or inaccessible, an online viewing is offered through the online film streaming platform Filmotech. To participate, simply complete the registration process on the America Reads Spanish webpage. After completing the registration, a password will be generated and sent by email that will allow legal and free access to the complete catalog of films for viewing during a period of 30 days.
4) Volume and Period
The catalog of available works has been expanded to a total of 24 films programmed monthly, thus allowing more in-depth consideration of the content, message, and socio-cultural context of each work.
5) New guidelines for the Book clubs
Offline: periodic meetings, reading of the relevant material, viewing of film, post-viewing discussion and any other activity that stimulates interest in the work in question.
Online: creation of a common space (forum) for the active participation and interaction of members of the community and the creation of a network of reading clubs throughout the United States. The forum will be administered on the official Facebook page of America Reads Spanish:https://www.facebook.com/arsbooks
